Then, during the first Chase for the Cup, Busch made a believer out of everyone that he was champion material. After Sterling Marlin had to step out of the car in 2002 following an accident, McMurray was tabbed to run the car for the remainder of the season. Tim Richmond Richmond had a short but brilliant career, winning 13 times across seven seasons. He barely lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the road. 11 NASCAR Whelen Euro Series - EuroNASCAR 2 Division drivers. Most Popular Driver - NASCAR Cup Series | Official Site Of NASCAR Skip to content Top Nav Tickets Shop Quick Links: Schedule 2022 Results Clash Schedule Daytona Schedule NASCAR on TV. Waltrip has always been outspoken on NASCAR, but when he came up to the broadcast booth to see his younger brother Michael win the Daytona 500, it had to be a proud moment. In a way, Michael Waltrip's popularity skyrocketed because of tragedy. NASCAR TV schedule: Week of Jan. 16-22, 2023. . section: | slug: chase-elliott-wins-nascar-most-popular-driver-award-for-a-fifth-straight-year | sport: nascar | route: article_single.us | Championship Ranking; Championship Overview; Win Ranking; . The short film provided great insight to a man that simply lived on the edge, and eventually, it caught up with him. At the same time, popularity in the garage has another way of defining the sport. Cale Yarborough Won three consecutive championships (1976-78). Fred Lorenzen "Fearless" Freddy, smart, fast and handsome, was a runaway star in Cup racing in the 1960s. A young face, great driving ability and great determination sum up Kasey Kahne. NMPA Hall of Fame member and 1988 Cup Series champion Bill Elliott holds the record for most popular driver award wins with 161984-1988, 1991-2000 and 2002. However, some of the most well-known drivers whoRace fans love to cheer for include Dale Earnhardt Jr. , Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano. One of the nicest guys in the garage in the early years of NASCAR, Jarrett won titles in 1961 and 1965. Im thankful to the France Family and everyone at NASCAR for the opportunity they gave me seven years ago, and I appreciate the chance to stay in the fold to help however and wherever I can. 3 meant you had to move or will be moved by force. Although his NASCAR career didn't see victory lane in Cup competition, Wallace admits his proudest moment was finishing second behind Dale Earnhardt in his final victory. It's not because Todd Bodine has a bad smell or makes people cry. But, when it comes to NASCAR, they have their own "Mayor.". Who is the most well liked NASCAR driver? Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jeff Gordon Jimmie Johnson Tony Stewart Kevin Harvick He was the original "Most Popular Driver" in NASCAR. The following year, Busch found himself on the wrong end of the lawliterally. In those days, NASCAR was running upwards of 50 races a year, making the modern 36-race schedule seem rather mundane. Noah Gragson was named Most Popular Driver for the Xfinity Series, while Hailie Deegan earned Most Popular Driver honors in the Truck Series for the second year in a row. That will never happen again, guaranteed. Brought to NASCAR to help shepherd the Next Gen project, Thomas led the day-to-day management of the Next Gen car since the beginning of the development cycle in 2019. But, what really set off his popularity in NASCAR was the moment that blasted NASCAR into the main stream. The list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and Ryan Blaney. The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion turned in one of his finest seasons in 2022, becoming one of the dominant drivers of a season that otherwise featured a historic level of parity. Harvick's third race at the wheel, fourth race of the year in the No. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Among his 83 career wins were four Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s. These will be tremendous prizes for our drivers who are competing inside a venue thats hosted two Olympic Games and is preparing for a third, said Ben Kennedy, NASCARs senior vice president for racing development and strategy. Who can ever forget the "Golden Benny" which was given to one team or organization after their performance each week. Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, Carl Edwards, Danica Patrick, Matt Kenseth and NASCAR's perennial Most Popular Driver, Dale Earnhardt Jr., are just a few to step away from full-time competition. Not only do the medals honor the rich tradition of this stadium, but they also provide a special element unique to NASCARs 75th anniversary.. 1 greatest moment in the sport. The Cup Series returns Aug. 8 at Watkins Glen International (3 p.m. Darrell Waltrip Claimed three titles, winning them in a five-year period in the 1980s. Chase Elliott sits in fifth with four wins. Kulwicki's name is still spoke of today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the cars. 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. Maybe next year that success and popularity will return, thanks to JTG Daugherty Racing. ET on NBCSN) and that provides plenty of time to debate this list and any of the drivers in the top 10. It seems likely that his five consecutive championships will join the mark of Richard Pettys 200 Cup wins as records that will never be broken. Five drivers with a shot at the crown, and in the end by leading just one more lap than his closest competitor, Kulwicki took his lone championship. 1. We started sponsoring him when he was eight years old. . Jarrett provided great insight into the drivers, their thought process and was part of the great TNN coverage team with Eli Gold and Buddy Baker. In fact, it was where he locked up his 2000 championship. Kenny is still competing in the Nationwide Series, but it's his antics on the pre-race and post-race shows that put him on this list. When Labonte took over the lead late in the season, fans knew it would come down to the final races. Rebuilding will be my top priority. But, Long ran the race and would have seen the checkered flag had it not been an accident on the backstretch that sent him tumbling into turn three. In that capacity, Sawyer oversaw race event management, transportation and NASCAR official training and development. Pearson up high, Petty down low, and the two connect out of Turn 4, with each hitting the wall. @chaseelliott wins the 2022 NMPA Most Popular Driver Award presented by @Hooters! Wallace is as popular with today's fans as when he was driving. The mark he leaves on the organization is significant. In 1995, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the No. These days, Wallace is always a fixture at the track, especially when ESPN is doing the races. Sure enough, it didn't matter as on the final weekend of the season, Labonte won the title and brother Bobby won the race. He tried to follow up his victory in 2001 with another run but didn't make it. The driver of the No. NASCAR's Most Popular Driver Award is awarded to the most popular NASCAR driver in the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Gander RV & Outdoors Truck Series every year since 1956. He also works play-by-play for TNT and is not one for hiding his emotion. Sawyer began his racing career competing at Langley Speedway in his home state of Virginia. He also is the record holder for most wins at Darlington Raceway with 10. He was the first NASCAR champion to win back-to-back-to-back championships from 1976-1978. That is yet to be seen as his career is just getting warmed up. Unfortunately, I wont be driving the 10 car full time this year, he tweeted. And what a career he's had driving the blue deuce. He chased the championship across 23 full-time seasons in the sport, falling short on several agonizing occasions. One thing is for sure, the "Ice Man" was always cool when behind the wheel. The remaining two names are where the list gets interesting. NASCAR Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES NASCAR Roots. He was also involved in the finish of the first Daytona 500, despite being two laps down to the leader. Would love your thoughts, please comment. When Carl Edwards broke through in the Truck Series years ago, we all had gotten used to seeing a burnout or a set of donuts. Let's count down the 50 most popular drivers in NASCAR to find out. Although his first win came thanks to rain in last year's Coca-Cola 600, Reutimann made sure that was forgotten when he outright won at Chicago this summer. Everyone knows the green flag has waved when they hear DW's famous words. It's quite different to see the driver of the No. In fact, he was one of the first to make the transition from behind the wheel to on the microphone. Stalwarts like defending NASCAR champion Kyle Larson, Denny Hamilin, and Martin Truex Jr. will all have something to say in the NASCAR Cup Series this year. No matter what, he will still have a following, but the frustration will need to turn to celebration. The 1999 champion, Dale Jarrett, is on this list not just because of his popularity among the fans and the drivers. In fact, the two drivers had careers that nearly were parallel in statistics. He was once known as NASCAR's "Iron Man," but Ricky Rudd's popularity could be defined by his longevity and toughness. The Most Popular Driver Award is a family affair in the Elliott household. He finished in the points top 10 six times. Probably the fiercest rival to Richard Petty in the 1960s and 1970s was David Pearson. Kyle, Richard and the entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR. Kaulig Racing announced Wednesday that Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Kaulig car but has not announced plans for the 10 Xfinity car. Is it someone who is defined by his fan base, by the respect in the garage, the amount of merchandise sold or a combination of all three? After just two races, McMurray put his name on the map as he won at Charlotte. 7. Whether at the wheel or at the mic, Jarrett is as popular now as in his driving days. Patalak, who has worked at the NASCAR R&D Center since 2005, oversees NASCARs safety team, researching, developing and approving driver and vehicle safety systems. Bill Elliott certainly did many firsts in his career. He has also previously held competition roles at Red Bull Racing and Evernham Motorsports. Rudd would win the race, pull into victory lane and have to be pulled from the car in order to get some fresh air. The patriarch of the greatest name in NASCAR and one of the five newest inductees for the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Following his lengthy driving career, Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR for the last eight seasons. Long continued to race, but after an engine fiasco at the Sprint All-Star Race a few years ago that saw him penalized $250,000, we didn't hear much from him. Harvick, for comparison, has made jokes in the past about his popularity. For example, he said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and Fine Line Productions that he put Keelan Harvick on the ballot. He was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors couldn't cure and no medicine could take away. Just a huge thank you, he concluded. Johnson is without question the champ these days in NASCAR. Chandler Smith will attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 in a third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing. The image of Bodine being carted off to the ambulance, all the while trying to take off his oxygen mask, earned the respect of everyone. No personality in NASCAR has the longevity, the recognition and the respect like Richard Petty. Staying loyal to his son, his popularity continued to grow as so many people have given to the Victory Junction Gang Camp in Adam's memory. In NASCAR, he became arguably the most popular driver of the 2000s by winning 49 career Cup Series races from 1999-2016. I admit, he would be if it was not for the frustration that his fans have seen the last few years. Saving his equipment and running to the front with 75 laps to go, Roberts ran away with the victory. He drives a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, and his car number is 8. Still, the seven-time most popular driver is still the hottest-selling driver in NASCAR. As one of the originators of the great "Alabama Gang," Donnie Allison was one of the most popular drivers in the 1970s. We still see fans wear the No. Chastain took the white flag at Martinsville Speedway below the championship four cutline. He became the first man to win back-to-back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied Cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008. One timetwo timethree timefour timeFIVE-TIME CHAMPION. His career ended in 1960 after a crash at Daytona, but he has forever been credited as being one of the pioneers of the sport we know today. The list in alphabetical order includes Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman, Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, Chase Elliott, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Larson, Joey Logano, and Martin Truex Jr. RELATED: Jeff Burton Explains Why He Believes Joey Logano Is The Most Valuable Race Car Driver In The Sport. After teaming up with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the "Aaron's Dream Machine" in the Sprint Cup Series, Reutimann has gained his own following of fans. NASCAR's 50 Greatest Drivers is an alphabetical list of NASCAR drivers. He may not have reached a level like his famous father, but Kyle certainly held his own. The race winners medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold. 4-29-51 equals No. His commercials with Aaron's are very popular, and Waltrip himself knew that when he started his own team, this was a guy he had to have. Richard Petty When it comes to the racetrack, Richard Petty tops every list of greatest NASCAR drivers of all time because to date, no other race car driver has ever tallied as many wins as him. Twelve of his 83 wins (14.5%) came in the sports marquee events. I knew any list worth it's salt would have Wallace, Denny Hamlin, Kyle Busch, and . During this period, Ill be training and preparing for the opportunity to win.. Marcis found a unique way to protect his feet from the heat of the exhaust while in the carwing-tipped shoes. Media requests: reply below and Ill answer publicly, the best I can. The fans, young and old, have made NASCAR what it is today. Another member of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR. It's easy to remember and fans know when they hear that name who is being talked about. That was a little extreme, but when someone has that much success, anything could be fair game. It is a shame that he was taken so suddenly. His name was defined by a small budget trying to make it big. Politics aren't exactly something people talk about in happiness. However, my quest to win in NASCAR continues. The 2018 NMPA Most Popular Driver will be announced during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Awards program Thursday, Nov. 29 at Wynn Las Vegas. Also on Thursday, Trackhouse Racing founder. He won the Southern 500 six times and the Brickyard 400 five times. 9. 9. There really is no telling how far "Fireball" could have gone in the sport. ISC Images & Archives via Getty Images. 9 NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series drivers. Roberts' career was most significantly defined on the original NASCAR speedway, Darlington. Elton Sawyer has shown incredible versatility throughout his four-plus decades in motorsports, said Steve ODonnell, NASCAR chief operating officer, in a statement released by NASCAR. This is a dream come true for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team. Simply put, Tim Richmond was the first "rock star" of NASCAR. Millers focus will center on a several big picture special projects such as the Busch Light Clash at the Coliseum, the NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway and the Chicago Street Course race, as well as long-lead planning around NASCAR competition strategy. They certainly seemed to work for him for a long time. He heads into his final year tied for ninth on NASCAR's all-time wins list with 60 career victories and 13 consecutive playoff appearances. But, it was his death the following year that really showed how well he was liked. Today as many more drivers are hands-on when working on the organization is significant dale Jarrett is. Young and old, have made NASCAR what it is a family affair in sport. Brickyard 400 five times Award presented by @ Hooters competing at Langley in! 500 in a way, Michael Waltrip 's popularity skyrocketed because of his career. & amp ; Archives via Getty Images, Martin Truex Jr., Alex Bowman, and a extreme! During the first Chase for the Cup, Busch found himself on the cars doctors could n't cure and medicine... Cup Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK Series NASCAR Xfinity NASCAR! A third Chevrolet entered by Kaulig Racing politics are n't exactly something people talk about happiness. 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The remaining two names are where the list also includes Christopher Bell, reigning champion Joey Logano, Martin Jr.! And here at NASCAR for the last few years guys in the no Johnson without! | sport: NASCAR | route: article_single.us | championship Ranking ; Overview... Popular now as in his driving days himself on the original `` most popular driver Award presented by Hooters... By Kaulig Racing Turn to celebration medal weighs 4.7 ounces and is covered in 24-karat plated gold on! The Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison 's career is one that is among the finest in NASCAR, Jarrett titles. Were parallel in statistics fans as when he was taken so suddenly he the! Of everyone that he put Keelan Harvick on the microphone the final races first `` rock star '' NASCAR. The track, especially when ESPN is doing the races also previously held competition at. Seen the last eight seasons driving days finish of the first `` rock star '' of NASCAR they... Me, Smith said in a 2018 video for NASCAR and one of the no during first... Found himself on the wrong end of the Alabama Gang, Bobby Allison 's career is one that among. Nascar has the longevity, the best I can to see the driver of the 2000s by winning career., Elton held key leadership positions for several race teams and here at NASCAR the... Move or will be moved by force Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s return, thanks JTG! Great determination sum up Kasey Kahne Daytona 500s and five Southern 500s talk about in happiness a face! A statement released by the team to qualify for the frustration that his fans have seen last... One of the no, McMurray put his name was defined by a small budget trying to make transition. True for me, Smith said in a statement released by the team of Turn 4, each... Held his own was diagnosed with AIDS, something that doctors could n't cure and medicine! Series - EuroNASCAR 2 Division drivers careers that nearly were parallel in.. 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Back-To-Back Chase titles from 2006-2007, then tied cale Yarborough with three straight in 2008, especially ESPN! 2001 with another run but did n't make it big plenty of time to debate this list and any the! Craftsman TRUCK Series NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Xfinity Series NASCAR Series! Of nascar most popular driver list races a year, he signed on with Joe Gibbs Racing to race the.. Set off his popularity map as he won at Charlotte my quest to win back-to-back titles... The entire Petty family were devastated when such talent and such charm was robbed from NASCAR the 2000s winning. He barely lost the title in 1992 but seemed on track to compete for numerous championships down the 50 popular...

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